Alderman Theodore “Bubber” West waived his formal arraignment, Judge Jim Blough said Tuesday.

Arraignments are designed to make sure an accused defendant understands the charges against him and often to set bond.

West’s bond had already been set at $4,000 and he was released on bond the night of his arrest.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Blough said.

West turned himself in to Natchez police Wednesday on charges of four counts of felony false pretense, Police Chief Mike Mullins said at the time.

West allegedly wrote $2,751.54 worth of bad checks, including checks to the Natchez City Cemetery and the Adams County tax collector, over the past year. The value allegedly ranged from $106.99 in April to $1,055 in August.

According to Mississippi law, a felony false pretense means multiple offenses or if the alleged offense is worth more than $100.

State law also states that if an elected figure is convicted of a felony, he can be forced to leave office.

West said recently he would not comment until he had a chance to examine his financial records.